# file(1)

## NAME

         file - make a guess as to a file's type based on contents

## SYNOPSIS

         file name ...

## EXAMPLES

         file a.out ar.h     # Guess at types

## DESCRIPTION

         File reads the first block of a file and tries  to  make  an  intelligent
         guess  about  what  kind  of file it is. It understands about archives, C
         source programs, executable binaries, shell scripts, and English text.